Obituary of Joan M. Hillbourne

Joan M. Ippoliti Hillbourne, 72, of Division Street, died peacefully Saturday afternoon in the arms of her daughter Beth, at St. Mary's Hospital. Born in Schenectady, NY on July 11, 1937, she was the daughter of Julia Pacelli Ippoliti and the late John S. Ippoliti. She attended schools in Fultonville and later graduated from Amsterdam High School. Her long working career includes locally, Mike's Ice Cream, Maxwell House Diner, Ponzo's Roman Forum, Dave Dennings Barn, Double B Ranch, Doray's Stan's & Bob's Taverns, JJ Newberry Co., Enterprise Shop, Altor, Esquire Novelty, Collette Mfg. and Bay -Shore. Following her move to California, she worked at the Southern Oil Co., cleaned private homes. Upon her return to Amsterdam she worked for Coleco, Fiberglass Ind., the American Red Cross and managed the Rotary Gas Station. She obtained a Paralegal degree and was self employed in that field for a time.Aside from singing and playing various instruments, Joan was an accomplished artist and was known for her nativity scene paintings on picture windows in Amsterdam, and later in life painted special scenery on vehicles. Joan has a passion for cars, performed auto mechanic and street raced. She was an expert marksman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.She also volunteered her time to run a group for senior citizens in her community. Joan was of the Roman Catholic faith. In addition to her mother, who resides in Hunter's Creek, Fla., her loving family includes her daughters; Julie Knoll of Port Charlotte, Fla., Roberta Becker and Beth Kreplin all of Amsterdam; brothers; Jeffrey Mary Jane Ippoliti of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Jon Linda Ippoliti of Amsterdam; a sister, Janet Chuck Oliver of Ninevah, NY; 9 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a great aunt also survive. In addition to her father, Joan lost her two sons; Anthony and David Coppola. She lived life to the fullest, and took the time to enjoy every aspect of life. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate her life on Friday Oct. 2, at 1:00 pm at St. Mary's Cemetery in Galway, NY. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to The Liberty Foundation, in care of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. Joan's family has entrusted her arrangements to their care.